X
CNET logo Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

You can literally use any pen as a stylus on this Lenovo tablet (pictures)

Acer, Asus, and Dell offer 8-inch Windows tablets, though not all include a stylus, and none of them allow you to use your house keys as one.

Xiomara Blanco
Xiomara Blanco is an associate editor for CNET Reviews. She's a Bay Area native with a knack for tech that makes life easier and more enjoyable. So, don't expect her to review printers anytime soon.
Xiomara Blanco
lenovo-tablet-2-anypen-8500.jpg
1 of 11 Josh Miller/CNET

Not just any Lenovo tablet

There are a few 8-inch Windows tablets that feature stylus capabilities, but none can do what the Lenovo Yoga Tab 2 does.

Take a closer look at the innovative slate by clicking through the slideshow, and for more details, check out the full review.

lenovo-tablet-2-anypen-8500.jpg
2 of 11 Josh Miller/CNET

No stylus? No problem.

The Lenovo Yoga Tab 2 features AnyPen technology, which allows you to use any metal object as a stylus. Yes, that's me using a dart to write down my grocery shopping list.

lenovo-tablet-2-anypen-8500.jpg
3 of 11 Josh Miller/CNET

Got a pen handy?

Now your favorite pen can also be your favorite stylus. Just keep in mind, you might get some small ink spots scattered around the screen.

lenovo-tablet-2-anypen-8500.jpg
4 of 11 Josh Miller/CNET

Pencil it in.

Though the pencil is more wood than metal, the lead point works great as a stylus.

lenovo-tablet-2-anypen-8500.jpg
5 of 11 Josh Miller/CNET

Stand-up design

Take a load off and use the built-in kickstand on the rear to stand the tablet up instead of holding it.

lenovo-tablet-2-anypen-8500.jpg
6 of 11 Josh Miller/CNET

Get low

Propping up the tablet at an angle makes writing and typing easier.

lenovo-tablet-2-anypen-8500.jpg
7 of 11 Josh Miller/CNET

Slim profile with a chunky spine

If it weren't for its big bottom edge, the Yoga Tab 2 would be one of the slimmest tablets around.

lenovo-tablet-2-anypen-8500.jpg
8 of 11 Josh Miller/CNET

Ergonomic edge

The chunky rounded spine makes holding the tablet in one hand easy and ergonomic.

lenovo-tablet-2-anypen-8500.jpg
9 of 11 Josh Miller/CNET

Wacky camera placement

The 8-megapixel rear camera is located on the left edge of the thick spine. It's a bit awkward to use, since it's located where you might normally grab the tablet.

lenovo-tablet-2-anypen-8500.jpg
10 of 11 Josh Miller/CNET

Life with a small screen

An 8-inch tablet is on the small side for a Windows device. The screen can feel a bit cramped at times, but when it comes to watching video and gaming, it's not as big (or small?) of a deal.

lenovo-tablet-2-anypen-8500.jpg
11 of 11 Josh Miller/CNET

Back in black

Whereas the Android models of the Yoga Tab 2 are silver, the Windows version is black. The texture on the back is slightly bumpy, for a bit of grip, and the built-in kickstand keeps it all upright.

Lenovo offers a bevy of tablets, but the 8-inch Yoga Tab 2 with Windows is the only one that rocks the AnyPen technology. This, paired with the useful design, makes the Lenovo tablet stand out among the crowd. Literally and figuratively.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos